Daily Archive : Thursday May 1, 2014

News

Moving picture: Rolling Meadows man shares love of hockeyBy Joe LewnardHockey veteran Gerry Dudziak, 56, of Rolling Meadows is passing his love of the game down to his granddaughter as she competes in a league where most of the participants are boys. Dudziak coaches his granddaughter, Nina Griffiths, 8, in the Mite Majors developmental league. “We really have a great time,” Dudziak said. “It's kind of bonded us together because we're both hockey...

Altrusa Elgin announces Woman of the YearPat SzpekowskiAltrusa International of Elgin, Illinois, Inc. recently announced Dr. Christine Mueller as the 2014 Woman of the Year. She will be honored at the 65th annual Woman of the Year Recognition Dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15.

Buffalo Grove park theater nearing completionBy Eric PetersonBuffalo Grove village board members Thursday took a construction tour of the Buffalo Grove Park District's Community Arts Center, whose interim theater is expected to be completed May 31 and hosting a local production of “Shrek” on July 24. The interim theater being built with $395,000 of park district funds is seen as a way of getting some immediate use out of the center.

Higher video gambling liquor license proposed in Lake ZurichBy Bob SusnjaraLake Zurich village board members will be asked to quadruple the price for a special video gambling liquor license in bars, restaurants and other establishments. Recent village research found some suburbs charging more than $250 for an annual video gaming liquor license, which is the fee Lake Zurich established last year.

Ride of Silence to honor Elk Grove cyclistBy Christopher PlacekCyclists around the world will embark on a “Ride of Silence” May 21 to honor those who have been killed or injured while biking on public roadways. One such ride being planned for the first time in Elk Grove Village will be held in honor of Rosaleen Waters, a village resident struck and killed by a vehicle as she was crossing Higgins Road near Route 53.

University of Illinois law school dean resigningAssociated PressThe dean of the University of Illinois College of Law is stepping down after a tenure that saw the school investigated for using inflated grades and entrance-exam scores to boost its reputation, school officials announced Thursday.

Ex-police chief gets 5-year sentence for fraudAssociated PressA former South suburban police chief who pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme related to a $1.25 million state grant in 2009 was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison.

Teacher in jail on bomb threat chargeAssociated PressAn Illinois high school special-education teacher was jailed without bond Thursday after state and federal prosecutors accused her of threatening to blow up her school through a note that warned, “This school is going down today. KABOOM!”

Barrington students face child porn charges in sexting caseBy Doug T. GrahamTwo Barrington middle school students face possession of child pornography charges alleging they texted sexually explicit photos and video of a fellow student to a “large group of classmates,” according to police. The two boys, who are not being identified because they are juveniles, are students at Barrington Middle School-Station Campus, according to authorities.

Island Lake’s lawyer says there’s a mole at village hallBy Russell LissauThe Island Lake village board’s proposal to create a special four-member committee that would discuss litigation and other sensitive issues was prompted by concerns about leaks from the panel, the village’s attorney confirmed Thursday. “We believe that someone from closed session is disclosing information discussed to members of the public,” attorney David McArdle said.

Jury awards $80,000 to wrongfully convicted manAssociated PressA federal jury has awarded $80,000 to a Chicago man who spent 18 years behind bars for a double murder before he was retried and acquitted. The award is a fraction of what he was seeking.

Heartbreaking video shows teens on sinking ferryAssociated PressSoon after the ferry began to tilt, there was nervous laughter, jokes about the Titanic and talk of selfies and Facebook posts from the doomed high school students huddled below deck. But the lighthearted atmosphere soon turned serious as the listing worsened. Fear began building, and one student asked, “Am I really going to die?”

Florida jail explosion kills 2, 184 injuredThe jail already had two feet of water in the basement from the record-setting rains when an apparent gas explosion leveled the inside of the building, killing two inmates and injuring more than 180 other people, officials said Thursday. In the rubble and chaos, inmates were trapped and had to be rescued. Others were treated for their injuries in the parking lot. In all, 600 inmates rushed out of...

Toronto mayor takes leave, may rehab in ChicagoAssociated PressToronto Mayor Rob Ford began a leave of absence and headed for a rehab center Thursday, leaving his scandalized city in the dark about his political future after a report surfaced of a second video of him apparently smoking crack cocaine. He boarded a plane for Chicago, where he may stay for the rehabilitation.

55 U.S. schools face federal sex assault probesAssociated PressFrom huge state universities to small colleges and the Ivy League, 55 schools across America are facing federal investigation for the way they handle sexual abuse allegations by their students. For the first time, the Education Department revealed its list of colleges under investigation on Thursday — though no details of the complaints — as the Obama administration sought to bring...

Tollway trying new shape at old interchangeBy Marni PykeWho needs a Circle Interchange when you can build a diverging diamond one? Illinois tollway officials explain why this particular shape will solve traffic dysfunction at I-90 and Elmhurst Road during an open house.

Uncertainty for savings leads to suspension of electric aggregation programBy Mick ZawislakLindenhurst, Lake Villa and Lake Villa Township have temporarily gotten out of the electric aggregation business. The contract with its current power provider is ending but price options were not palatable, officials said. Residents and small businesses will have 60 days to find their own alternative or be swtiched to ComEd.

Brady suggests funding Obama library with tax refundsAssociated PressRepublicans opposed to using $100 million in taxpayer money to build Barack Obama’s presidential library pitched an alternative funding method Thursday, saying they support luring the library to Chicago but not forcing taxpayers to foot the bill. Sen. Bill Brady, of Bloomington, introduced legislation that would enable Illinois taxpayers to donate a portion of their tax refund starting in...

Half a million Illinois voters seek end to gerrymanderingAssociated PressWith the help of wealthy donors and a bipartisan group of politicians, a petition to end the gerrymandering of Illinois election districts was presented Thursday, but it faces a stiff constitutional challenge that could keep the question off the November ballot. A group called “Yes for Independent Maps” submitted more than half a million signatures to the state Board of Elections.

Poshard reflects on time as SIU presidentAssociated PressThe newly retired president of the Southern Illinois University system says he’s bittersweet about stepping down from the post. Glenn Poshard, a former congressman and Illinois gubernatorial candidate, retired Wednesday but will stay on through June as a consultant to his successor, Randy Dunn.

Senate confirms new federal judge in ChicagoAssociated PressA long-serving assistant prosecutor based in the Chicago’s federal court building will be moving into a new office upstairs in the same building — this time to become a U.S. district judge.

Feds, state settle with Chicago construction firmAssociated PressIllinois and federal officials have announced a $12 million whistle-blower settlement with a Chicago construction company accused of fraudulently securing multimillion-dollar public contracts.

Rolling Meadows, Prospect Hts. plan street marketsBy Deborah DonovanRolling Meadows and Prospect Heights are putting their own spin on one of the joys of Spring — the return of farmers markets. Rolling Meadows opens its second season of Farmers Market/Food Trucks Saturdays on May 24, and Prospect Heights will launch a weekly French Market beginning June 1.

Tourism up across Illinois, in ChicagoAssociated PressMore than 103.5 million tourists from around the U.S. visited Illinois last year. The state Wednesday released domestic visitor statistics for 2013, which it says rose 4.5 percent. It’s the third year in a row that the state has set a domestic tourism record.

Fallen Vernon Hills officer memoralized at state CapitolBy Marty HobeOn a chilly, cloudy and somber day, police officers from across the state gathered on the Illinois Capitol lawn Thursday to remember fallen officers including state trooper James Sauter of Vernon Hills. “I grieve for the families because your pain is far greater than anything we will ever experience,” said Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. “Every day when that police...

Blue Cross Blue Shield emerges as winner in IllinoisAssociated PressA company spokesman says Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois signed up 200,000 customers on the new government marketplace in the first year of the nation’s new health insurance system. Only about 17,000 Illinoisans chose plans from other insurers.

Oil-train wreck brings demands for more regulationAssociated PressThe latest in a string of fiery oil-train wrecks brought renewed demands Thursday that the Obama administration quickly tighten regulations governing the burgeoning practice of transporting highly combustible crude by rail. With production booming in the Bakken oil field along the U.S. northern tier and in Canada, some experts say stronger rules to head off a catastrophe are long overdue.

Schaumburg man gets supervision for revoked FOID cardBy Barbara VitelloA 60-year-old Schaumburg man who authorities say had 38 firearms in his possession, pleaded guilty this week to having a revoked firearm identification card. In exchange for his guilty plea, Wallace Sollo was sentenced to two years supervision and ordered to pay $514 in fines, court records show.

Carpentersville man guilty of sexual abuse, faces 7 yearsBy Harry HitzemanA 37-year-old Carpentersville man faces up to seven years in prison after his conviction Thursday of sexually abusing a child younger than 13 between July 2012 and May 2013. Eduardo Hernadez-Flores wil be sentenced June 27 and must register as a sex offender for life.

Algonquin teen named Youth of the YearBy Lenore T. AdkinsGrowing up in a family with a history of mental illness and learning disabilities, Karri Haiges has been through a lot in her 18 years. But the teen, a college-bound honor student at Dundee-Crown High School, would rather say she’s had a hard day, never a hard life. She's succeeding, despite her background and has been named the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township's 2014 Youth Of the...

Play golf for charity:Daily Herald reportThe Stevenson High School Foundation’s annual golf outing will be held June 20 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Long Grove.

Walk for brain-cancer patients comes to SchaumburgDaily Herald reportThe second annual Michael Matters 5K Stadium Walk will take place Sunday, May 4, at Boomers Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road. The event is named after Michael Schostok, a Libertyville man who succumbed to brain cancer in 2012. It raises money for Chicago-area brain-cancer patients.

Illinois’ Lewis and Clark site plans festivitiesAssociated PressIllinois’ Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is welcoming hundreds of children and guests as the state’s celebrates the famous explorers’ expedition anniversary later this month. The events on May 9-11 at the site in south central Hartford include an education day, reenactments, crafts and period music and historic book sale.

1 of 3 suspects in W. Chicago slaying claiming self-defenseBy Justin KmitchThe attorney for one of three reputed gang members who attacked and killed a 22-year-old Wheaton man last November said he intends to claim self-defense. Anthony Rios, 18, of West Chicago, along with Jonathan Jimenez, 19, of Aurora, and West Chicago resident Alejandro Martinez, 17, each face first-degree murder charges in the death of Thomas Tecuatl, who was found beaten and stabbed early Nov.

Probation, jail for teen in South Elgin Riverfest beatingBy Harry HitzemanAn 18-year-old received three years of probation and spent 75 days in jail after admitting to his role in the beating and robbery of a 71-year-old man cleaning up in August 2013 after South Elgin's summer festival. Pedro Miranda, of Chicago Heights, also must pay a $2,600 fine; two co-defendants were sentenced to five and seven years in prison earlier this year.

Schaumburg names new deputy police chiefBy Eric PetersonSchaumburg police Thursday completed a full restructuring of their command staff with the promotion of Commander of Investigations Dan Roach to deputy chief. The transformation began after three undercover officers in the department’s former Special Investigations Bureau were arrested on drug conspiracy charges in January 2013.

COD and forest preserve may partner to save ‘farm’By Robert SanchezA small "community farm" that existed for years on the College of DuPage campus could find a new home at a nearby forest preserve. There's no longer any space for the COD Community Education Farm on the college's Glen Ellyn campus. But there is talk of relocating the farm to a roughly 1-acre plot of existing farmland at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton.

Tri-Cities police reportsMichael D. Abernathy, 21, of Aurora, was charged with criminal trespass to land after notice at 4:36 p.m. Tuesday at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave., according to a police report.

Buffalo Grove middle school ranked 28th nationallyDaily Herald reportTwin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove has been ranked the 28th best middle school in the nation, by TheBestSchools.org. In honoring Twin Groves, the only Illinois middle school on the “Top 50 Middle Schools” list for 2014, the judges cited several weighted factors, including academic excellence, National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, state assessment scores, awards...

Island Lake reverts to old logo, ditching 2012 versionBy Russell LissauThe logo that adorns emails from Island Lake employees and official documents is changing, reverting to a version that had been used for many years. The image — a sailboat on water in a square frame — will replace a logo adopted by the village in 2012. The 2012 picture showed a boat on blue water with the sun shining in the background, and it was in a circular frame.

Confederate submarine getting a chemical bathAssociated PressA new phase in conserving the first submarine in history to sink an enemy warship is beginning. Conservators at a lab in North Charleston are for the first time putting the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley in a chemical bath designed to remove salts and encrustation from the hull of the hand-cranked sub.

Arlington Heights teen shot with BB gunBy Lee FilasArlington Heights Police are searching for an individual or individuals driving in a dark colored SUV who are alleged to have shot a BB gun at a group of teens Saturday.

Smaller Grand Victoria check may fuel Kane County budget changesBy James FullerKane County received its portion of Grand Victoria's riverboat gambling earnings this week, and it's a lot less than expected. In fact, the amount is even less than the estimated total Grand Victoria told the county to expect. The income will be a hit to the county's budget next year, but it's also part of a continuing downward trend in income flowing from the riverboat to local government.

Northwest suburban police blotterBy Freida GadBurglars stole a two-carat diamond ring and a hotel TV between 1:30 and 5:33 p.m. April 17 out of a guest room at Sherwood Inn, 1246 S. River Road, Prospect Heights. A guest had left the room door propped open. Value was estimated at $14,200.

Pentagon chief orders steps to fight sex assaultsAssociated PressDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday that sexual assaults are a threat to both women and men in uniform and that the Pentagon must do more to fight a culture that discourages victims from reporting assaults. News: Reports of sexual assaults by members of the military rose 50 percent after the Pentagon began a vigorous campaign to get more victims to come forward, according to the...

Westmont murder suspect unfit for trialBy Justin KmitchA man accused of fatally stabbing his father in 2011 at an extended-stay hotel in Westmont has been found unfit to stand trial because of a mental condition. William V. Clifford III, 35, is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the slaying of his 63-year-old father, also named William Clifford. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison.

Hoffman, Schaumburg co-host Memorial Day observanceDaily Herald reportThe public is invited to attend a Memorial Day observance in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg on Monday, May 26. The Hoffman Estates Memorial Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial, located at 411 W. Higgins Road. Immediately following that event, the observance will move to Schaumburg and continue at 10:45 a.m. at St. Peter Church and School, 202 E. Schaumburg Road.

Crowned lemur born at Lincoln Park ZooStaff reportLincoln Park Zoo! Thursday announced the birth of a baby crowned lemur at the Helen Brach Primate House, a first for zoo. The lemur, born April 14, joins its mother (Tucker) and father (Sokkwi, pronounced so-kwee) and older brothers Azizi and Nuru, who all reside at the zoo. The sex and measurements of the infant are yet to be determined, as Tucker is keeping the newborn wrapped very close to her...

’Stand your ground’ law tested in recent shootingsAssociated PressA Montana man is accused of setting a trap and blindly blasting a shotgun into his garage, killing a 17-year-old German exchange student. A Minnesota man is convicted of lying in wait in his basement for two teenagers and killing them during a break-in. The two recent cases take the “stand your ground” debate to a new level: Do laws that allow private citizens to protect their...

Southern California wildfire 10 percent containedAssociated PressAuthorities say a thousand-acre wildfire in the foothills east of Los Angeles did not grow overnight and is now 10 percent contained. U.S. Forest Service officials say crews building containment lines around the blaze Thursday are focusing on the fire’s west edge, where structure protection is in place. Mandatory evacuation orders for 1,650 homes were canceled, though residents are urged...

Stories of rescues, devastation emerge from floodsAssociated PressValencia Norton awoke to a neighbor pounding on the windows of her mobile home. Water had washed away the steps and part of the porch. “I was freaking,” said Norton, tears streaming down her face as she recalled the scene. “I don’t know how to swim.” A short time later, a firefighter came and carried her to dry land. It was one of many rescue stories from the...

Twister: Scores of dead chickens on one Miss. farmAssociated PressThere’s nothing left of the poultry farm owned by Charlie and Cindy Wilkes save for splintered wood, twisted metal and scores of dead chickens pungently rotting on the land. A large tornado that tore through the East Mississippi community of Noxapater on Monday made a direct hit on Wilkes Farm. Few of the roughly 220,000 birds survived the storm, which struck down other chicken farms in...

White House denies memo was about Benghazi attackAssociated PressThe White House on Wednesday denied that a staff member’s email three days after the deadly attack on the U.S. mission at Benghazi, Libya, was actually about the attack. Critics have branded the electronic missive as evidence that the Obama administration sought to deceive the public about the true circumstances surrounding the deaths of four Americans during the final months of the 2012...

Sinn Fein leader held for 2nd day over IRA killingAssociated PressSinn Fein leader Gerry Adams remained in police custody for a second day Thursday as detectives questioned him over his alleged role in the Irish Republican Army’s abduction, killing and secret burial of a Belfast mother of 10 in 1972.

Unattended candle blamed for Mt. Prospect apartment fireDaily Herald reportA candle left burning unattended sparked a fire in a Mount Prospect apartment building Wednesday, causing an estimated $40,000 in damage, fire officials said. Mount Prospect firefighters called at 10:25 a.m. to the apartments at 1834 Palm Drive were able to get the fire under control in 15 minutes, limiting damage to just one apartment in the 35-unit building.

Chicago approves restrictions on pedicabsAssociated PressChicago’s City Council is enacting a series of tough new restrictions on the city’s pedicab industry. The Chicago Sun-Times reports aldermen voted to approve a series of limits on the pedal-powered, three-wheeled bicycles.

No cause of death for man found in Chicago RiverAssociated PressAn autopsy was inconclusive on the remains of a 66-year-old man whose body was pulled from the Chicago River earlier this week. Ronald Brown’s body was found in the water on Monday evening.

Knox College sex discrimination claim investigatedAssociated PressThe U.S. Department of Education is investigating allegations of sex discrimination at Knox College in western Illinois. Knox President Teresa Amott said in a campus-wide email Wednesday that the investigation began in January.

Terre Haute investigators reopen 1980 slaying caseAssociated PressA 34-year-old cold case investigation has reopened in a 1980 Terre Haute homicide. Gloria A. (Felix) Hedden was 29 when her body was pulled from the Wabash River on July 12, 1980. The Vigo County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the community’s help in solving the case - now under investigation by a cold case team led by retired Vigo Sheriff Bill Harris.

Rally for immigrant rights planned in ChicagoAssociated PressImmigrant rights advocates are planning May Day events throughout Chicago. One rally begins Thursday morning at a West Side park. Another starts later in the day at a sculpture commemorating the Haymarket riot. The day is to end outside the Chicago offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

More Chicago police on streets to combat violenceAssociated PressWith the number of shootings in Chicago already climbing with the temperatures, police are being dispatched by the hundreds on overtime to high-crime neighborhoods, parks, public housing buildings and other spots around the city to combat the spike in crime that comes every summer.

Good deeds scavenger hunt honors Sadie's short lifeBy Burt ConstableIn the wake of their personal sorrow, parents Cathy and Adin McCann of Des Plaines turn kindness and good deeds into a team event. People in a dozen states and Canada already have performed acts of kindness in memory of Sadie Elizabeth McCann, and dozens of friends and family will join that effort Saturday, compiling good deeds as part of an “acts of kindness scavenger hunt” and blood...

Illinois report examines sugary drinks banAssociated PressA new report says banning sugary drinks from the food stamp program in Illinois wouldn’t necessarily prevent obesity. The nonprofit Illinois Public Health Institute’s report was released Wednesday. The report is based on a research review and interviews and focus groups with food stamp participants and store owners.

Durbin talks FutureGen with energy secretaryAssociated PressU.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he met with Secretary of Energy Ernest Muniz to discuss the FutureGen clean-coal project. Durbin said in a news release that he met with Muniz on Wednesday to discuss the department’s commitment to the long-planned public-private project. Durbin said he stressed the importance he sees in keeping it on track.

Bolingbrook teen finds patterns of success across fieldsBy Elena FerrarinTimothy Zhou excels at music, math and chess. While that may seem like an unusual combination, the Bolingbrook teen is quick to explain the three disciplines are much more similar than people may think. "There is beauty in patterns and logic which plays into not just chess and math, but also music," he says.

Grayslake District 46 board member raises concern about trade association spendingBy Bob SusnjaraQuestions about the level of spending with a privately operated statewide education trade organization have surfaced at Grayslake Elementary District 46. Still, the Illinois Association of School Boards recently gained unanimous approval from District 46's elected officials to create an administrative procedures manual for $7,020.

Sports

Bears narrowing options with No. 14 draft pickBy Bob LeGereBears general manager Phil Emery has targeted six players -- probably all on defense -- that could be on the board and that he would be happy to select in the NFL draft with the No. 14 pick next Thursday. He said he'd be happy if two of them were available and ecstatic if three were still there.

Blackhawks vs. Wild an unlikely rematchBy Mike SpellmanDidn’t it seem like, somehow, some way, the Blackhawks were simply destined to have a playoff showdown with Colorado? It wasn't to be. Instead tonight the Blackhawks will be hosting a Wild team that showed the heart of a champion Wednesday in winning Game 7 in overtime in Denver.

No shortage of horses as Arlington track opensBy John LeuschAs its gates pen for another season on Friday, more than 2,000 horses are expected to find a home on the Arlington International backstretch this summer. “The number of horses should be as large as it has been since 2008,” says Tony Petrillo, the track’s president since 2010. “If all the trainers come who say they will, we’ll have a good season. We would have about 300 more horses than a year ago.” The main reason for the larger head count is because Keeneland Race Course will begin construction May 19 on a new dirt track to replace its Polytrack surface..

Cracknell scores pair as Wolves blank AmericansDaily Herald News ServicesForward Adam Cracknell racked up 2 goals in the opening 16 minutes and goaltender Jake Allen rejected 18 shots as the Chicago Wolves earned a 4-0 victory over Rochester in Game 3 of the AHL’s Western Conference quarterfinals at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont on Thursday night.

Olson’s goal helps Grayslake North edge CentralDaily Herald reportChelsea Olson scored the game’s only goal, and Grayslake North’s girls soccer team continued to show its defensive prowess in a 1-0 win over visiting Grayslake Central on Thursday night.

Definitely some White Sox highs to go with the lowsBy Scot GregorThe first month of the season is in the books, and the White Sox check in with a 14-15 record. Beat writer Scot Gregor looks at the highs in lows of April, ranging from Jose Abreu's impressive start to a rash of injuries.

Brewers leading division certainly a surpriseBy Bruce MilesExcept for the Cubs taking up residence in the NLCentral cellar, few things have gone as expected in the division. The Milwaukee Brewers are in first place ahead of the Cardinals, who come to Wrigley Field this weekend. Daily Herald Cubs writer Bruce Miles sizes up the Central after a month of play.

Conant’s bats boomDaily Herald reportHost Conant banged out 17 hits in picking up a 13-3 victory over Hoffman Estates an MSL West baseball on Thursday.

Schnittker, Buffalo Grove tighten up MSL East raceBy Bill EsbrookIt might not have a pretty name, but it can be one of the most momentum-changing plays in volleyball. Thursday night, Buffalo Grove sophomore Zach Schnittker used the dump shot — a surprise move by a setter to push the ball across the net when the opponent is expecting the ball to be set — with shocking effectiveness not once but twice down the stretch against visiting Hersey. A combination of superb BG hitting and Huskies errors at the end of set two helped the Bison hand visiting Hersey their first Mid-Suburban East loss of the season in a 25-23, 28-26 BG win.

New Trier edges FremdBy Mike GarofolaFremd’s girls soccer team looked to have earned a chance at taking unbeaten New Trier into overtime until Kelly Maday’s late heartbreaker dashed the hopes of the Vikings in a 2-1 decision Thursday in a quarterfinal match of the Naperville Invite hosted by Fremd.

Sisk, Lakes tops CL SouthDaily Herald reportAfter battling the elements to get its field ready to start the game, Lakes’ baseball team hung on to beat Crystal Lake South 5-4 in a nonconference game Thursday. Joe Sisk’s 3-run homer, single and 4 RBI led the way for the Eagles.

Lakes takes Prairie titleBy Rusty SilberTwo freshmen with the same first name were the key. Yes, a pair of Isabellas led the way for Lakes’ girls soccer team. The two, with last names of Quaranta and Pighini, scored as the Eagles flew past visiting Wauconda 2-1 in a North Suburban Prairie Division game in Lake Villa on Thursday afternoon. The victory for Lakes (11-3) clinched the Prairie Division title with a mark of 5-0. It was also their first division title since 2010 and third overall. Wauconda dropped to 6-6-1 and 3-2.

Another win for Neuqua ValleyBy Orrin SchwarzThe only way to stop the Neuqua Valley girls soccer team these days might be to send half the team somewhere else. “It’s great to be a part of it, to be honest,” Wildcats junior Kiley Czerwinski said after her 2 goals helped the Wildcats to a 3-2 victory at Naperville North and a berth in the Naperville Invitational semifinals Friday.

Warren’s Ellis acclimates, excels in Lake County InviteBy Joe AguilarOn a cool, overcast, wet evening at Grayslake Central, which hosted the Lake County invite, Warren's Brittny Ellis, as always, weathered the competition. She anchored Warren’s winning 400 relay and then sped to wins in the 100 (12.22), 400 (58.25) and 200 (25.33) dashes.

Grayslake North hoping for offense to returnBy Patricia Babcock McGrawAttention hits and runs: Grayslake North would like its offense back. The Knights have been searching for their offense for most of the season. For some reason, the hits and runs have been tough to come by.

Subban leads Canadians to 4-3 OT win over BruinsAssociated PressP.K. Subban scored his second goal of the game at 4:17 of the second overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Manning circles back to opportunity at SchaumburgBy Marty MaciaszekMarty Manning grew up as a basketball player in the Schaumburg Athletic Association. Manning grew up as a high school basketball coach in Huntley. So, in a way there were growing pains as Manning weighed whether or not he should leave one quality job for another after the top spot at Schaumburg opened up when Matt Walsh resigned in March.

Koulous homer lifts Waubonsie ValleyBy Stan GoffOff the bat, Waubonsie Valley’s Mel Koulos knew she hit the ball well to the gap in right center and was hoping that both the game-tying and game-winning runs would come around on the play in the bottom of the seventh.

Softball: Fox Valley roundup Thursday, May 1Daily Herald reportSt. Edward 6, Marian Central 0: Lindsay Zdroik (6-6) threw a 4-hitter with 8 strikeouts and no walks and went 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI to lead the Green Wave (9-8, 4-4) to a Suburban Christian Blue win. Kelly Theriault (3-for-4, 3 RBI) and Allison Stratman (2-for-3, RBI) also contributed for St. Edward.Westminster sweeps: Rachel Fugiel was 2-for-4 with a triple, home run and 2 RBI in Game 1 as Westminster Christian swept a pair of five-inning Northeastern Athletic Conference games, 11-4 and 13-2. Maddie King (2B) and Jackie Calabrese each went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI in Game 1 and Becca Fugiel threw a 1-hitter with 7 strikeouts and 2 walks. In Game 2, Rachel Fugiel threw a 2-hitter and went 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI, while Calabrese was 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Leadoff hitter Emma Kovachevich went 5-for-8 in the two games for the Warriors (5-7-1, 5-1).

Focused Osimowicz fiercely leads Hoffman EstatesBy John LeuschThe rain and cold on Thursday wasn’t going to faze Hoffman Estate’s softball team in a season which has proved to be its best in years. “It was pretty chilly,” said Hawks sophomore pitcher Tracy Osimowicz not even mentioning the off-and-on rain drops. “We were keeping each warm in the dugout sharing jackets and whatever else we could do.”And Osimowicz was doing what she has most of the season — winning on the pitcher’s mound. The sophomore right-hander raised her record to 8-1, tossing an 8-hitter with 2 strikeouts in a 12-4 victory over the host Huskies.

Thibodeau to Lakers? Not likelyBy Mike McGrawA report out of Los Angeles suggested the Lakers will ask the Bulls permission to contact Tom Thibodeau about the team’s head coaching vacancy. But there is no reason to think this scenario will break up the Bulls.

Palatine slugs out a victoryDaily Herald reportPalatine’s softball team was playing on artificial turf on Thursday but the Pirates had real bats. They slugged 6 triples and a double while rolling to a 13-1 five-inning victory over host Wheeling at the Wheeling Park District’s Heritage Park.

Addison Trail closes out St. Charles EastBy D.J. WanbergThe 30-28 victory by the Addison Trail boys volleyball team in Game 2 on Thursday not only clinched a match win over visiting St. Charles East, but it was a prime example of why the Blazers are 16-3 this season.

Ailing Toews should be ready for Game 1By Mike SpellmanA few eyebrows were raised when the Blackhawks took the ice for practice Thursday with everyone present and accounted for ... except for captain Jonathan Toews.No cause for concern, though, according to coach Joel Quenneville.“He’s fine,” Quenneville said.

Pacers force Game 7 with 95-88 win over HawksAssoicated PressDavid West led Indiana on a 16-4 run to end the game, extending the season for the top-seeded Pacers with a 95-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.Trailing 3-2 after losing at home for the second time in the best-of-seven series, Indiana was poised for an early summer when the Hawks pushed out to an 84-79 lead with just over 3 minutes remaining, cheered on by a raucous crowd.

Charity tennis clinic offered in D300Daily Herald reportPlayers and coaches from District 300 schools will be offering a charity tennis clinic for players of all ability levels on Sunday at Jacobs High School.

Big second half carries Burlington CentralBy Allen OshinskiThe first half belonged to Kassidy Grimscheid and Marengo, but the second half was all Burlington Central.The Rockets outscored the Indians 7-0 after halftime to win going away, 8-3, in the Big Northern East girls soccer matchup in Marengo Thursday.

St. Charles North seeks repeat of own tournament titleBy Dave OberhelmanOne can tell Chris Cloy retains the passion for water polo he had as an athlete at Sandburg. “It’s a fast-paced, action-packed game. It’s a physical, aggressive sport that requires a tremendous amount of skill to be successful at it,” said St. Charles North’s sixth-year boys water polo coach.

Off-season play already thickens for BullsBy Mike ImremThe Lakers usually give Kobe Bryant what he wants. He wants Tom Thibodeau now, so maybe the Bulls will wind up sending their head coach to Los Angeles for at least a lottery pick in this year's college draft.

South Elgin denies St. Charles North in 2By Kevin McGavinNate Marotta thought his night was over. But the South Elgin senior was summoned back into the Upstate Eight Conference crossover boys volleyball match when the Storm lead shrunk considerably.

Bears add 3 safeties to the competitionBy Bob LeGereThe battles for the Bears' two safety positions, which were both weaknesses last year, will be wide open this summer with no clear-cut starters at the moment, according to general manager Phil Emery.

Burlington Central optimistic heading into countyBy Mike MiazgaThe Burlington Central girls’ track team is the midst of an important part of its schedule. The Rockets recently won their own Rocket Relays event and will compete in the annual Kane County meet Friday at Kaneland.

Superb field for Wanner InviteBy Jeff NewtonCurrent Hersey boys track and field coach Ken Blazek still remembers his days as a hurdler for then-Prospect coach Joe Wanner and the Knights back in the day. One of Blazek’s favorite memories came at the Knights’ Wanner Invitational. “I have always described this meet to our kids as the first state meet of the year,” Blazek said. “If you can’t get up for this meet, I don’t know what you can get up for.”

Naughton, Pancratz to coach at ConantDaily Herald reportConant has announced two new varsity girls sports coaches. Deirdre Naughton has been named girls basketball head coach, and Drewann Pancratz has been named girls volleyball head coach. Naughton takes over the program for retiring Coach Dan Travers, and Pancratz replaces retiring Coach Peggy Scholten.

Meadows welcomes back future NFL QB GaroppoloBy Dick QuaglianoWith his professional football dream just around the corner, Jimmy Garoppolo went back to his roots on Thursday. Garoppolo, who is expected to be highly drafted in next week’s NFL draft, stopped by Rolling Meadows High School, where he was honored with a school assembly.

Hoppertunity out of Kentucky Derby with sore footAssoicated PressBob Baffert is down to one horse for the Kentucky Derby after early 6-1 second choice Hoppertunity was scratched Thursday because of a sore left front foot.The colt was to have been ridden Saturday by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.“Bad news travels fast,” Baffert said."The horse is OK. He’s just not 100 percent and it’s too close to the race, so I pulled the plug.”

Is Gar Forman up to the task?By Mike ImremThis summer and next season should finally define whether Gar Forman is the general manager that can provide head coach Tom Thibodeau with a roster that should contend for an NBA title.

Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resignsAssoicated PressLos Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resigned Wednesday after less than two seasons on the job.Team spokesman John Black confirmed D’Antoni’s resignation, ending the brief tenure of the Lakers’ fourth head coach in less than three years.

Business

Buffett may face questions about performanceAssociated PressWarren Buffett’s failure to beat the stock market in four of the past five years has raised the issue of whether Berkshire Hathaway’s 83-year-old CEO has lost his touch. Buffett is likely to face questions about the conglomerate’s performance when more than 30,000 shareholders gather for Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday.

Encouraging news on economy fails to lift stocksAssociated PressEncouraging news on the U.S. economy wasn’t enough to give the stock market its fourth straight day of gains. The market remains close to its all-time highs, but for now investors, uncertain about which way the economy is headed, appear reluctant to push stocks higher.

Motorola Solutions plans more cuts, earnings show lossesBy Anna Marie KukecSchaumburg-based Motorola Solutions Thursday posted deeper than expected losses for its first quarter, which will result in layoffs and other cuts to save a potential $100 million this year, CEO Greg Brown said in an interview with the Daily Herald. Sales were down about 9 percent and earnings down more than 20 percent overall for the quarter.

Mowz offers suburban homeowners chance to care for lawn via appBy Anna Marie KukecIf you dread mowing the lawn or just don’t have the time, a new app called Mowz could help relieve you of that summertime chore. Co-founders William Mahoney of Syracuse, N.Y., and Andrew Englander of New York City created Mowz after they launched another app last year called Plowz, which arranges snow plowing in 20 cities, including the Chicago and suburban market. “We are signing up more providers in the Chicago region every day as the word spreads,” Mahoney said.

Toyota’s move to Texas is about more than moneyAssociated PressToyota’s move from Los Angeles-area offices to a new U.S. headquarters in Texas is likely about more than tax incentives. Some experts say Toyota is after people with fresh ideas to shake up its culture and reverse a five-year slide in market share.

Unlikely partnerships help small businesses thriveAssociated PressIn 2012, media company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. launched Martha Stewart American Made. Business owners nominate themselves online to win a prize. The program benefited a St. Charles couple in 2013.

What does Wal-Mart not sell?Associated PressThe news that Wal-Mart is getting into the car insurance business begs the question: is there anything that the world’s largest retailer doesn’t hawk?Surprisingly, the answer is plenty. You can find food, meds and toys for your dog Rover at Wal-Mart, but chances are you didn’t buy your pet there.

Fed cuts monthly bond purchases and sounds upbeatAssociated PressThe Federal Reserve struck an encouraging note Wednesday: It will further cut its bond purchases because the U.S. job market needs less help. And it said the economy had strengthened after all but stalling during a harsh winter. The Fed also reaffirmed its plan to keep short-term interest rates low to support the economy “for a considerable time” after its bond purchases end, likely late this year.

Paddock board names Stone COO of Daily Herald Media GroupDaily Herald staff reportScott T. Stone has been elected executive vice president and chief operating officer of Arlington Heights-based Paddock Publications, publisher of Daily Herald Media including the Daily Herald, Business Ledger and Reflejos, the company said Wednesday. In addition, Stefanie S. Anderson and Stuart Paddock III were appointed senior vice presidents and Karen DiGiulio was named corporate secretary.

Life & Entertainment

Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ heads to auctionAssociated PressOne of the most popular songs of all time, Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” is going to auction this summer. Sotheby’s is offering a working draft of the finished song in Dylan’s own hand for an estimated $1 million to $2 million. The draft is written in pencil on four sheets of hotel letterhead stationery with revisions, additions, notes and doodles.

‘The Young and the Restless’ leads Daytime Emmy nomineesAssociated PressCBS’ “The Young and the Restless” led the pack with 26 Daytime Emmy nominations announced Thursday, including best daytime drama. The 41st annual Daytime Emmys will be presented June 22 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Young and the Restless” will compete against CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” and NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” for best soap. As Barbara Walters’ retirement nears, the ABC legend learned she was nominated for best talk-show host at “The View.”

Police: Simon made 911 call that led to arrestsAssociated PressPaul Simon made the 911 call that led to the arrests last week of him and his wife, singer Edie Brickell, on disorderly conduct charges, according to a police report. The police report indicates that Brickell, 48, and Simon, 72, became physical with each other Saturday during an argument inside a cottage on their New Canaan property that houses a recording studio.

Heroin played a role in Peaches Geldof’s deathAssociated PressA senior British police officer says heroin is likely to have played a role in the death of Peaches Geldof last month. The 25-year-old daughter of Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof died at her home south of London on April 7.

N.Y. festival to honor folk singer Pete SeegerAssociated PressA five-day festival honoring the late folk singer Pete Seeger is set to feature music, film and remembrances in New York City and the state’s Hudson Valley region. Seeger’s grandson Kitama Cahill-Jackson said Wednesday the free Seeger Fest will run July 17-21 and will celebrate the lives of the famous singer and his late wife, Toshi Seeger.

Author sues Warner Bros. over ‘Gravity’ profitsAssociated PressAuthor Tess Gerritsen has sued Warner Bros. claiming the studio owes her millions in profits from the Oscar-winning hit film “Gravity.” But the studio is pointing to her own statements downplaying similarities between the blockbuster and one of her novels. Gerritsen sued Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. in a Los Angeles federal court on Tuesday, alleging the studio violated an agreement she had with one of its subsidiaries to turn her novel “Gravity” into a movie. Gerritsen, whose books include a series that is basis for the TNT show “Rizzoli & Isles,” sold the film rights to the “Gravity” novel for $1 million in 1999.

Daring 'Locke' rife with decisions, consequencesBy Dann GireAt the end of Steven Knight's one-man drama “Locke,” a single car breaks away from the busy main highway and sets off on its own solitary course. It's a perfect ending for a daring drama that believes in the power of the spoken word to carry a story. Tom Hardy demonstrates just how commanding an actor can be given the right script, director and latitude to let the dialogue sketch the characters and conflict for our imaginations.

Director takes a journey making 'Locke'By Dann GireDann interviews British novelist and filmmaker Steven Knight about his new movie, "Locke," starring Tom Hardy as a man undergoing a crisis while driving in his car. Dann also supplies film notes from around the Northwest suburbs.

Philly’s 13th St. brings good luck to great foodBy Kathy MathesonTourism officials will tell you the restaurant-rich area at the heart of downtown is called Midtown Village. Philadelphia food-lovers just know 13th Street — which runs through the center of the neighborhood — as a vibrant area chock-full of great eateries and wine bars, a place to get anything from artisanal pizza and gourmet vegan to Asian fusion and modern Indian. And don’t forget the freshly made prickly-pear gelato for dessert. It's centrally located, sitting in the shadow of City Hall between the Liberty Bell and tony Rittenhouse Square.

Teen finds meaning in 1950s popularity guideBy Alicia Rancilio, Associated PressRespecting or learning from one’s elders isn’t exactly a top priority for most teens. For Maya Van Wagenen, though, digging up a previous generation’s teen scene actually helped her. She survived the middle-school blues thanks to “Betty Cornell’s Teenage Popularity Guide,” originally published in 1951. Her experiences following the guide led Van Wagenen to write her own book, “Popular,” which has now been optioned for a movie.

Growing number of women working as sommeliersBy Michelle Locke, Associated PressThis Mother’s Day, sommeliers will be on hand to help you select just the right wine to go with that special meal out. And some of those somms will be moms. Though it’s still very much a man’s world, more women are moving up the wine ranks, says Dorothy Cann Hamilton, founder and CEO of the International Culinary Center.

Rodrigo y Gabriela find magic on new albumBy Michelle Morgante, Associated PressOn “9 Dead Alive,” Rodrigo y Gabriela’s first new album in five years, the duo strips down to return to the raw, ferocious energy that won them global acclaim after they were discovered busking in Ireland. Alone with their guitars, the couple indeed create a whole far greater than their two instruments.

Lyric’s ‘Sound of Music’ traditional, but not transcendentBy Barbara VitelloLyric Opera of Chicago’s “The Sound of Music” is every bit the grand production you’d expect from one of the country’s leading opera companies. Among its pleasures are the 39 instrumentalists who make up conductor Rob Fisher’s glorious orchestra. They bring to Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s memorable score a sumptuousness not found in smaller productions. Director Marc Bruni’s smartly staged production is glossy and confident. But it’s traditional rather than transcendent, which is what I expected from the Lyric.

Social media comedy #disappointinglysillyBy Dann GireThe plot of Sarah Smick’s blackly comic “Friended to Death” is thin and simple stuff, a premise that might feel right at home in a half-hour TV sitcom such as “The Big Bang Theory” — minus the rapid rat-a-tat punchlines and interesting characters. How could a disappointing, anti-climactic comedy about the timely subject of social media addiction come off seeming so irrelevant and passe?

Allen-esque 'Fading Gigolo' lacks Woody's magicBy Dann GireYou might swear that John Turturro's “Fading Gigolo” came from Woody Allen. Its Allenesque touches include a dreamy jazz score sprinkled with golden oldie standards, and a parade of musty, dusty New York apartments and offices. Yet, there's something missing here. That indefinable Allen spark, the honed-edge one-liners and the New York scenes bursting with the filmmaker's love of the city.

An education challenge for GOPBy Michael GersonColumnist Michael Gerson: For Republicans, the issue of higher education is emblematic. There are a number of vital but creaky social systems — elementary and secondary education, health care, the tax code, the immigration system, the social safety net — in need of serious, market-based reform. A party of innovation, redesign and repair might have considerable appeal. It would, among other good things, directly address many of the concerns of the working and middle class. But a party of opposition, faux populism and reflexive anti-government ideology is not up this task.

The irony of crying ‘amateur’A Lake Villa letter to the editor: I find it amusing that people would take offense about a published article that criticizes a favored pollician for not having the necessary background to be president.

Time will tell what ‘right side of history’ isAn Elk Grove Village letter to the editor: The other day the Obama administration announced it had hit their goal of 7 million signed up for Obamacare. After months no specific numbers, we are told it is now exactly 7.1 million people. It reminded me of how they somehow hit their needed unemployment number just in time before the last election.

Unfair to ban young lacrosse playersA South Elgin letter to the editor: Kaneland High School lacks a lacrosse club, so four of their ambitious freshmen joined the Geneva High School club to continue their dreams of playing lacrosse. Lacrosse is not as yet a state-approved sport, but that has not stopped the Upstate Eight Conference from deciding they have jurisdiction over these young players lives...

McCain continues warmongering waysA Glen Ellyn letter to the editor: As Ukraine burns, the light in Senator John McCain’s eye grows brighter, and he appeared almost gleeful bashing President Obama on “Face The Nation” over the president’s failure to halt Russian pushback to the U.S. inspired coup in that failed state.